Do Academies admit pupils with statements of Special Educational Needs?
Yes. Academies are fully inclusive schools and the model funding agreement sets out how they are required to follow admission law to cater for children of all abilities. They cannot pick their intake, must have regard to the SEN code of practice and statutory guidance on inclusion. An Academy’s independent status does not affect parents’ rights to appeal to SEN and Disability Tribunal Academies on average admit more pupils with SEN (both with and without statements) than other schools in England. They also, on average, admit more SEN pupils (both with and without statements) than their predecessor schools.
